A state-of-the-art medium voltage SF/sub 6/ breaker for today's distribution requirements

In recent years, much has been documented on vacuum interrupter improvements. This paper focuses on alternative technology in the form of arc quenching in SF/sub 6/ gas by means of a rotating arc and thermal expansion. These parallel developments in SF/sub 6/ circuit breakers make possible choices between vacuum and SF/sub 6/ breakers. User identified criteria in evaluating the emergent and competing technologies are offered in an effort to provide an understanding of the differences in medium voltage switchgear technologies.